Apoptosis

The Molecular Biology of Programmed Cell Death

Edited by Michael Jacobson and Nicola McCarthy

The number of cells within the human body is very tightly regulated: too many and we can develop cancer, too few and we may lose cells that we cannot replace. The number of cells is controlled by several different mechanisms in different tissues, but all are triggered to commit suicide should too many be in one place at one time, or become damaged. This book examines how this process of cell suicide (apoptosis) is regulated, and how our understanding of this process may lead to novel treatments for a wide variety of human diseases.

Apoptosis

The Molecular Biology of Programmed Cell Death

Edited by Michael Jacobson and Nicola McCarthy

Description

Apoptosis is a regulated form of cell demise that can be induced or blocked by groups of specific stimuli. Occurring in all living tissues, it is thought critical to the maintenance of homeostasis and is implicated in lowering susceptibility to tumour growth. Conversely, over-sensitivity to apoptotic triggers can cause cells to be lost inappropriately from tissues, as appears to occur in neurodegenerative diseases. This book examines the molecular pathways regulating apoptosis, progressing from the nematode worm through Drosphila to the more complex pathways evident in mammalian cells. Differences in the cell death pathway within specific tissues are addressed, as are the different genes that may act to regulate progressive steps.